Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from The Cyber Security Review
North Korea Shining in Cybercrime
The Cyber Security Review | Monday, March 15, 2021
North Korea is directed at heightening its cyber capacities, and it's doing an extraordinary job of it.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
Fremont, CA : Although the US and the United Nations have imposed sanctions intended to limit the illicit funding of nuclear weapons, North Korea is showing to be skilled at sidestepping them. North Korea has swiftly expanded its cyber capabilities, both domestically and abroad. The regime is finding methods to exploit digital vulnerabilities around the world and begin cyberattacks, mostly by its hacking crews, named Hidden Cobra, or Lazarus Group, to extract money for its outlawed nuclear weapons development agenda.
In 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security and the FBI announced a unique cybersecurity bulletin that connected North Korea to numerous attacks on US businesses and significant infrastructure. The warning involved a type of malware dubbed Delta Charlie, which the Department of Homeland Security and FBI claim the North Korean government launched distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
The cybercrime market's capacity and the deficiency of effective security remain to be a lure for North Korean cyber groups. Nam Jae-Joon, the former director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, announced that Kim Jong Un himself asserted that cyber abilities are just as powerful as nuclear power and that cyber warfare, besides nuclear weapons and missiles, is an 'all-purpose sword' that ensures North Korea's military's aptitude to strike.
Additional reports note that in May 2020, the North Koreans recruited 100 top-notch science and technology university graduates into its military to superintend tactical preparation systems. North Korea's state media confirmed the presence of a modern science and technology university, possibly related to the country's cyberwarfare and weapons development plans. This implies that the continuing investment of government funds is additionally strengthening the civil-military fusion, which is bound to heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula and international security affairs.
A US Army report concludes that North Korea hires approximately 6,000 cyber agents in four intelligence organizations across the globe. One of them being the notorious Lazarus Group, which is known to be the mastermind behind severe cyberattacks, including the 2017 WannaCry ransomware release.
Also, the Chinese government maintains official academic affiliations with military-affiliated North Korean academic institutions, partnerships that may create the base for added cyberattacks. Such collective government initiatives to encourage foreign exchanges and post-graduate programs may lead to extended cybercrime, given the curriculum these colleges teach. There are already concerns that Chinese universities are training future North Korean nuclear scientists. The question prevails how to stop these institutions from equipping North Korean cyber agents with the experiences and aptitudes they need to target high-level cyberattacks in the US and other superior economies.
The US government continues to discover fresh North Korean cyber organizations that pose dangerous international security concerns and intimidate US national interests. Even the pandemic isn't preventing North Korea from leveraging its cyber genius — like China and Russia — to steal funds from pharmaceutical firms researching COVID-19 vaccines and foreign countries' national COVID-19 relief funds.
Nevertheless, there is still hope for the US and its global associates. The US Department of Justice can mandate cybersecurity audits for US banks and financial institutions as part of prolonged prosecution agreements to strengthen compliance with basic cybersecurity protocols outlined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In addition to hardening cybersecurity protocols and information-sharing amongst banks and other financial institutions, the White House can cooperate with its partners on an in-depth investigation into the areas of North Korean cyber centres. Diligence is essential, since seemingly legitimate companies, hotels, and universities can all serve as harmless fronts to mask malicious North Korean-sponsored cyber action.
Although North Korea mostly plays second fiddle to China and Russia as a cyber threat, the tiny country is committed to strategically growing its cyber abilities and equalizing the playing field with China and Russia. The US will profit from coordinating with its allies to protect vital infrastructures, and shared global interests. Guarding against possible cyberattacks is essential, but interrupting the training and deployment of cyber agents is equally vital.
More in News
Penetration testing techniques evolve as technology evolves and the threat landscape changes. The increasing global vulnerability of digital and physical assets drives this change. Organizations are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattacks as technology and digital data grow more integrated into everyday operations. This security requirement highlights the importance of penetration testing, especially for IT and financial services organizations that rely on it to identify application flaws.
Conventional penetration testing follows a set procedure and frequently concentrates on recognized problems. This method's failure to detect novel or sophisticated threats may diminish the test's efficacy. Additionally, manual testing requires a lot of time and resources. The complexity and size of today's digital infrastructures make thorough penetration testing difficult and may result in vulnerabilities going unnoticed. Malicious actors might use these unpatched vulnerabilities to disrupt operations.
Resistance to social engineering assaults is still a major problem in conventional penetration testing. A lack of skilled human resources further requires more effective testing. Too much automation might also be dangerous since pre-trained models may yield inaccurate results. The process is further complicated by the absence of strong visualization and reporting tools, which makes it challenging for stakeholders to comprehend the findings and make defensible judgments on addressing vulnerabilities.
Although penetration testing has advanced significantly, it can still be improved. Strengthening defenses and improving security resilience may be achieved by integrating several cybersecurity components. As the threat landscape changes, penetration testing practices also shift. Advances in technology and methodology brought about by the switch from manual to automated procedures have resulted in more thorough and efficient evaluations of organizational assets and applications.
Incorporating AI into security operations has transformed penetration testing, significantly decreasing the need for time, money, and human resources. However, more than just automated solutions are needed since threats are getting more complex, and technology isn't keeping up with them. In the future, penetration testing will concentrate on ongoing technological and human innovation. Organizations may maintain their competitive edge in the current risk landscape by integrating relevant technology with efficient penetration testing.
The dynamic threat landscape and quick technical breakthroughs drive changes in penetration testing patterns. Conventional approaches are resource-intensive and can overlook emerging dangers. Comprehensive testing is complex with modern infrastructures, and social engineering assault resistance is still an issue. Other issues include an over-reliance on automation and a need for more skilled personnel. Notwithstanding these problems, penetration testing has come a long way, with AI integration being a key component. In the future, maintaining security resilience and conducting successful penetration tests will require constant technological and personnel innovation. ...Read more
Businesses of all sizes, companies, organizations, and even governments have employed digital technology to enhance their day-to-day operations. As a result, addressing cybersecurity has become crucial for protecting data from a variety of online threats and unauthorized access. With the advancement of technology, cybersecurity trends have evolved, making data breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacking incidents more widespread. Enroll in security courses offered by industry experts to increase your knowledge and abilities in data protection.
Top Cybersecurity Trends
Out of many cybersecurity, some of them are:
The Emergence of Automotive Cybersecurity Threats:
Modern vehicles have advanced software that provides seamless connectivity and features like cruise control, engine timing, and driver assistance systems. Nevertheless, this dependence on automation and connectivity makes vehicles vulnerable to hacking threats. By using communication technologies such as Bluetooth and WiFi, hackers can take advantage of weaknesses to manipulate the car or listen in on conversations using the built-in microphones. As the use of automated vehicles continues to grow, these risks are anticipated to increase, highlighting the need for strict cybersecurity protocols, especially for self-driving or autonomous cars.
Utilizing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity:
AI plays a vital part in strengthening cybersecurity in different industries. By using machine learning algorithms, AI has made it possible to create automated security systems that can perform tasks such as natural language processing, face detection, and threat detection. Nevertheless, cybercriminals also use this technology to develop advanced attacks that bypass security measures. Despite these difficulties, AI-powered threat detection systems can quickly respond to new threats, offering substantial assistance to cybersecurity experts.
Mobile Devices: Target for Cyber Attacks
Mobile device usage has attracted cybercriminals, leading to a surge in malware and cyberattacks aimed at mobile banking and personal information. The widespread reliance on smartphones for tasks such as financial transactions and communication heightens the vulnerability to potential security breaches.
Cloud Security Challenges and Solutions:
Organizations must prioritize strong security measures when utilizing cloud data storage and operations services. Despite cloud providers implementing robust security protocols, vulnerabilities can still occur due to user errors, malware, or phishing attempts. Consistent monitoring and updates are necessary to minimize risks and protect sensitive data stored in the cloud. ...Read more
Managed security services provide a comprehensive, cost-effective, and efficient solution for managing an organization’s cybersecurity needs.
Cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes. With cyber threats increasing in frequency and sophistication, many organizations are turning to managed security services to bolster their defense mechanisms. Managed security services offer security services designed to protect, detect, and respond to cyber threats efficiently. The primary benefit of managed security services is access to a team of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Managed security services providers employ experts specializing in cybersecurity, from threat intelligence and incident response to compliance and risk management.
The specialized knowledge ensures that an organization’s security posture is robust and up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies. Maintaining expertise in-house is often complex and costly, especially for small- to medium-sized enterprises. Implementing and maintaining an in-house security team and infrastructure can be prohibitively expensive. It involves significant investments in hiring, training, technology, and continuous upgrades. It offers a cost-effective alternative by providing comprehensive security services for a predictable monthly fee.
Advanced tools and technologies such as security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and AI are used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify potential threats proactively. They provide round-the-clock monitoring and management of an organization’s IT environment. The 24/7 vigilance ensures that any suspicious activity is detected and addressed promptly, minimizing the window of opportunity for cyber attackers. It reduces capital expenditure and allows organizations to allocate resources more effectively, allowing them to focus on core business activities while leaving security management to the experts.
Time is of the essence. They are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents, significantly reducing the potential damage and downtime. Their incident response teams follow well-defined protocols to contain, mitigate, and remediate security incidents. The rapid response capability is crucial for minimizing the impact of cyber attacks on business operations and safeguarding sensitive data. Navigating the complex cybersecurity regulations and standards landscape can be challenging for many organizations. They help ensure compliance with relevant laws and industry standards.
As businesses grow and evolve, their security needs change accordingly. It offers scalable solutions tailored to meet an organization’s specific requirements. Whether expanding into new markets, adopting new technologies, or dealing with seasonal fluctuations in demand, they provide the flexibility to adjust security measures without significant disruption or additional investment. They provide the documentation, audits, and reports required for regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of legal penalties and enhancing the organization’s reputation.
Outsourcing security management allows businesses to focus on their core functions without being distracted by complex security challenges. The strategic approach enables organizations to enhance productivity and innovation while adequately addressing their cybersecurity needs. They invest in the latest cybersecurity technologies and tools, ensuring their clients benefit from cutting-edge solutions. It includes advanced threat detection systems, encryption technologies, and automated response mechanisms. Organizations can leverage these technologies without significant capital investment. Businesses can enhance their cyber resilience, protect critical assets, and maintain a strong security posture in the face of ever-evolving threats.
...Read more
Penetration testing, commonly known as ethical hacking, is a crucial practice in cybersecurity that involves simulating real-world attacks to identify and address vulnerabilities within a system. This proactive approach helps organizations uncover potential weaknesses before malicious actors exploit them. By systematically probing networks, applications and systems, penetration testers provide valuable insights into security flaws, enabling businesses to fortify their defenses and enhance overall security posture. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, regular penetration testing has become essential to a comprehensive security strategy, ensuring that organizations can effectively defend against potential breaches and safeguard their critical assets.
Automated Penetration Testing: Automated penetration testing transforms the field by optimizing security assessments within organizations. This approach automates repetitive tasks, such as vulnerability scanning and configuration reviews, resulting in faster and more scalable results. Despite its advantages in speed and efficiency, automated penetration testing currently falls short in coverage due to the need for further technological advancements and research.
Adaptive Penetration Testing: Adaptive penetration testing represents a trend toward mimicking bad actors more realistically, focusing on an organization’s unique risks and threats. This method offers a more comprehensive and practical approach to identifying system vulnerabilities than traditional tactics. It allows penetration testers to adjust their strategies and technologies based on insights gained during the reconnaissance phase, enhancing the adaptability and flexibility of the testing process.
Continuous Penetration Testing: Continuous penetration testing is a proactive approach involving regular tests on systems and applications. Unlike the traditional method, which is typically performed annually or bi-annually, continuous testing is done more frequently—monthly or quarterly. This approach helps organizations stay ahead of the latest vulnerabilities and adapt to the rapidly evolving threat landscape, significantly improving security resilience.
Cloud Security Penetration Testing: As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud to enhance efficiency and collaboration, cloud security penetration testing becomes essential. This testing helps protect against system breaches, improve cloud environment security, and meet industry compliance requirements. Since many cloud services lack secure authentication and encryption, proactive vulnerability detection and mitigation through cloud-based application security testing are necessary to ensure robust security.
IoT Security Testing: IoT security testing involves assessing the security of hardware, software, services, and connectivity components of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This testing identifies vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to gain unauthorized access, alter data, or steal personal information. Implementing effective IoT security measures is crucial to protecting devices from unauthorized users and attackers, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of the network.
GRC, SIEM, and Help Desk System Integrations: Integrating Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) systems, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and help desk systems into security operations is a notable trend in penetration testing. This integration streamlines and automates security operations by uniting various teams into a cohesive cybersecurity unit. It facilitates faster patching of systems and procedures, with alerts and recommendations for remedial actions being promptly communicated to the appropriate teams.
Regular penetration testing strengthens defenses and enhances an organization's ability to respond to emerging threats and maintain a resilient security posture. As cyber threats evolve, investing in comprehensive penetration testing ensures that businesses are well-prepared to protect their valuable assets and maintain trust with stakeholders. ...Read more
